I have been very closely following the 20s boys all season and now know a few of them. They have so much belief in themselves and that's why they're beating these top teams. Whereas why they lose to lower teams I don't know. Anyway it's awesome watching them play as they are close to my age and I can't wait to see some of them play first grade
The 20s boys have been up and down all season, winning at the most unexpected times against teams who are virtually unstoppable, and losing games they were certain to win.
But last night they truly stepped up and beat second placed Parramatta Eels by 14 points.
Unfortunately Manly Under 20s captain Jack Delaney was ruled out with turf toe prior to kick off, adding to the list of their quite injured side.
Their first signs of positivity came when Manly forced a Parramatta goal line drop out within the first few minutes of the game. It wasn't until the 21st minute that Manly opened up the scoring with centre Luke Garner crossing the line.
Hooker Michael Stig scored soon after and Garner's kick was successful, Manly 10 - Parramatta 0
A try and a concerted try were scored by the Eels just before the break making it 10 all at half time.
Manly came back out firing scoring again in the 54th minute through Latrell Schaumkel, their left side winger.
Only minutes after a chip over the top saw the very talented Tom Trbojevic catch the ball and offload to their lock Liam Knight and extend Manly's lead again.
A bomb went up in the 73rd minute and Trbojevic did it again, this time letting Luke Garner score his second of the night. Converting his try, the siren sounded and Manly beat the favourites 24-10.
Manly, Souths, Panthers, Warriors and Storm are all fighting for 7th and 8th spot. As long as the Sea Eagles 20s boys continue at this standard, they will make it to the finals and they can beat anyone as long as they put 110% effort into it like they did last night.
Round 25: v Panthers (7th)*
Round 26: v Cowboys (12th)*
*as of 23rd August 2014
That was my match report